"Well, what's the matter with you?" she asked, although not unkindly. "Do you think I'm going to eat you, or do something else dreadful to you? Have you ever read any fairy tales? Have you ever heard about a fairy godmother?"
"Well, then, I'm going to be your fairy godmother. I'm going to show you what the world is like, boy; I'm going to look after you, and--if you've got the stuff in you, as I think you have--I'm going to make a man of you. Understand this: I want to make a bargain with you--a bargain I think you're sensible enough to understand. Treat me fairly, and be straight and clear with me, and tell me the truth in everything you do, and, by the Lord! I'll never desert you; play me false, or prove anything but what I believe you to be, and I'll turn you out of doors at a moment's notice to starve. I don't want to make a prig of you. I don't mind if you get into trouble, or what you do, so that you're a _man_; anything short of that I won't stand. Now, will you take the risk?"
It was a strange proposition to make to a child, but, in her deep earnestness, she did not seem to understand the strangeness of it. Comethup hesitated for a moment, and then began politely, "It's very kind of you, aunt, and----" but she instantly checked him.
"Never mind that. What do you say? You must remember that I'm a lonely old woman, and a bit short in my temper on occasion; but I'll be a good friend to you if you'll be a good friend to me. That's fair and square, isn't it? I only want you to love me a little, Comethup, and you may be sure I shall know the difference between the false and the real. If you try to humbug me, I've done with you. Now, what's it to be? Yes or No?"
"Good! Not another word. If you don't mind kissing a blind old fright you can kiss me, and we'll call it sealed. Now, when will you be ready to start?"
"Yes, to London. You can't start being a man in this one-eyed old town; you'd simply vegetate."
"You see, aunt," he began, timidly, "there are people--people I should like to say good-bye to. They've all been very kind to me, and I shouldn't like them to think----"
"That you were turning your back on them in a hurry, eh? You're quite right, boy; only I don't want to stop here forever, and you must get your farewells done with. How many of these people are there? Half the town full, I suppose?"